Photo by Michael S. Gordon / The RepublicanState Rep. Sean F. Curran, right, shakes hands with campaign supporters R. Bruce Fitzgerald, left, and former state Rep. Sean F. Cahillane, center, during his re-election party at the City Line tavern in Springfield Tuesday night.

SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Sean F. Curran took a giant step toward a fourth two-year term in the 9th Hampden District on Tuesday, soundly defeating a primary opponent who was trying to recapture the seat after a corruption scandal and jail time.

Curran, D-Springfield, defeated Christopher P. Asselin by a 4-1 vote margin, 2,257-589, in the Democratic primary, to earn a spot on the November ballot. He will face Robert J. Underwood, an independent candidate.

“I am very excited and proud to represent the citizens of Springfield and Chicopee at the Statehouse,” Curran said, while celebrating his victory at the City Line tavern on Rimmon Avenue. “I look forward to another two years fighting for the residents who live in our neighborhoods.”

“There is still a lot more work to be done,” Curran said.

Curran was first elected state representative in 2004, defeating Asselin, the incumbent, after Asselin and some family members were indicted in a corruption scandal related to the Springfield Housing Authority.

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Asselin was sentenced to an 18-month sentence in 2007 after pleading guilty to bribery, theft and fraud conspiracy charges. In announcing his candidacy this year, Asselin said he was asking voters for a second chance.

Curran said he is proud of his record in office, including his efforts to help Springfield return to financial stability. The Legislature established a Finance Control Board in Springfield in 2004, and Curran said he conferred often with board members and legislative leaders to ensure Springfield stayed on the right path.

Curran said he wishes Asselin and his family “the best of luck in all future endeavors.”

Asselin, at home with supporters in East Springfield, said he thanks his supporters and friends in the district, and enjoyed going door-to-door in the district.

“It was a good, positive campaign,” Asselin said. “I congratulate the winner, Sean Curran. I wish the district and him good luck. Nobody knows what my future holds.”

Asselin declined any further comment Tuesday.

Curran said Springfield is now on the right track.

“Now, it time to take the city we love to the next level,” Curran said.

Curran ran unopposed in the last election two years ago, and had resounding victories in the prior two elections.

During the campaign, he said voters had a clear choice between the Democratic rivals.

As part of a plea deal, Asselin admitted accepting up to $120,000 in bribes from Springfield Housing Authority contractors through his father, Raymond Asselin, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence. Christopher Asselin served about 13 months in jail and paid $140,000 in restitution.